Stanced Cars

Have you ever had that feeling to step out and be different? It’s something a lot of people, myself included, think about. The social norm or status quo is something accepted in all areas of life including our beloved car scene. Jay Owner had that feeling when stepping out of his Eagle Talon and searching for a new ride. In Seattle, the majority of the scene is dominated by Honda and for Jay, that just wasn’t going to cut it. He decided to step outside the box and into the VIP scene. After building a 1992 Infiniti Q45, he was hooked and knew where his passion truly was.

The scene is post-World War II Germany, the economy lies in shambles and automakers found difficulty salvaging material to build automobiles. However, during the war, Volkswagen had manufactured roughly 52,000 Beetles (then called the Kubelwagen). Just a short time later in 1952, a Mr. Ferdinand Porsche would use the motor, transmission, and several suspension components from the now-legendary Beetle to create a work of art that would grace the walls and fantasies of petrol-heads everywhere for the next 60 years and beyond.

From its humble beginnings, Porsche has always held true to its a racing pedigree, even through today creating an almost expected heritage of the perfect sports car for the working man. A combination of the luxurious amenities you would find in an Mercedes combined with the gritty aggressive driving habits many MR2 lovers have come to love… Essentially, the perfect automobile.

As we regroup from our trip to the annual Simply Clean meet in Daytona, FL, we thought that some wallpaper-ready images of one of Atlanta’s most aggressive Civics would whet your appetite for our event coverage later this week. Read More

Originally this 2008 Mercedes E350 was a gift Cesar purchased for his wife. But from the moment he purchased this ride, he knew there would come a day where he would have it all to himself. That day came faster than he imagined, just a year after the car was purchased he took over the wheel and decided to drive this Benz to a new level of “stanced luxury.” Ideas had been brewing in his head since the purchase, he was quietly plotting and scheming to have a truly unique Benz. Cesar’s quest to make this Benz the pinnacle blend of luxury and stance would soon become a reality.

As a videographer, it takes more than the cars in attendance to consider a show/event “good”. Year after year, parking lots and convention centers become bland and repetitive. Without variety, what makes something unique?

Organized at Princeton Airport, First Class Fitment is a breath of fresh air. Multiple lots, garages, landing strips, and grass (underappreciated) give the words “car show” new life. It’s more than one of the last chances to see everyone from across the country I’ve come to know and love, instead it’s a chance to experience something so unique to the point that it’s truly like nothing else.

Offset Kings, to some, is one of the last great shows of the year in Southern California. This show takes place during Formula Drift Irwindale, the final fight. With cars flying sideways only feet away accompanied by a layer of smoke covering the whole area this show is one you simply can’t miss. Though the area is small, the show certainly is not. The quality of cars is fantastic, the atmosphere is full of energy, and it’s noting but good times. To get into the show you must buy a ticket for Formula Drift, but this means one can enjoy the show and all the vendors while also watching the best drifters out there pushing the limits trying to win the championship. Offset Kings Irwindale is definitely one to add to your list of shows you must attend.

240s are a dime-a-dozen these days. I have one, you have one, your unemployed neighbor has one. Nissan 240s are the absolute antitheses of what some wish the modern car scene was–upscale, sophisticated, yacht-club-esque gatherings of high society, self-labeled “petrol heads.” If this car hurts your feelings then I have one word for you: good. 240s are thorns in the sides of every car enthusiast, young and old, who takes car modifying too seriously. Omar Carbrera’s S14 is a perfect example of garage built, hopes and dreams, started from the bottom, pure joy in ownership car culture. It’s lovely inside and out.

Introducing Rachel Clancy’s BMW E46 M3, a very recent build as of H2oi 2014. Rachel’s M3 is rolling on BC Extreme Drop coilovers and Work Meister S1s (18×10 and 18×11) rebuilt by VR Wheels in California. “I chose Meisters because they are my favorite wheel. I wanted an aggressive but functional setup so I felt that was a happy medium,” Rachel proudly mentioned when asked about her choice of wheels. Her wheels are white with polished lips and a bit of red to compliment her stunning imola red interior.

When talking about the bags vs coils debate, Rachel tells us “I decided to go with the coils because I would never bag an m3 or sportier type car, it’s just my style.” When she first started the build her vision was a turboed M3, and the necessary mods to get there are next on her list! Keep your eyes out for this build as it progresses and enjoy this mini shoot conducted in downtown Annapolis, Maryland.

Robert Sia’s FRS made quite a splash when it first hit the scene. It debuted on Instagram, and a roller on the freeway of Robert’s car was enough to take the car scene by storm. Up until then no one had really seen the Aimgain kit on an FRS since FRS scene was dominated mainly by Rocket Bunny kits, but people were in for quite a treat.

Amongst the severe accounts of post-H2o International depression many are enduring on the East Coast, many are going through the countless photographs they captured during their long-awaited getaway to Ocean City, Maryland. Yes, H2oi has been primarily a euro show, but recent years have let H2oi, like the other nationally recognized shows, to become blended with vehicles from different makes. Many are disgruntled, others, including myself, appreciate it. In light of the other makes and quality builds that attended this year’s H20i getaway, we present Thomas Shepherd’s bagged and wrapped 2010 Mugen Fit shot at a location apart from the typical oceanfront photographs that flood Instagram feeds during the last weekend of September. Hiding from the beloved camber cops can lead to some pretty unique locations. Keep an eye out for our official H2o International coverage coming soon!